Hackney traffic wardens vote on strike over pay and rotas

A walkout by traffic wardens in the London Borough of Hackney has moved a step closer after they agreed to ballot for a strike in a dispute over pay and late-night working.

If the wardens vote to strike, the borough’s parking restrictions will not be enforced, allowing drivers to park illegally.

The Transport and General Workers’ Union claims that Central Parking System – the private firm running the contract for the council – has inflamed the situation by withdrawing its recognition of the trade union.

The wardens have been locked in a pay dispute with the company since October 2005 and have refused to accept a new bonus scheme over controversial car-clamping quotas, claiming targets are “unrealistic”.

They are also unhappy at changes to rotas, which, they say, have been imposed without an assessment of the safety risk and will mean them working up until 11pm.

The company said it is willing to continue negotiations with the union.